United States Cold Storage, Inc. will invest $21.6 million to expand its warehouse and distribution hub in Warsaw, North Carolina. The company expects to hire 50 associates in Duplin County over the next five years.

Founded in 1889 as the American Ice Company, U.S. Cold Storage is a leader in refrigerated storage and logistics. The company is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Swire & Sons, a global logistics provider headquartered in London, England.

U.S. Cold Storage’s facility in Duplin County, one of three North Carolina locations the company maintains, has been in operation since 1996. The company’s North Carolina workforce includes approximately 70 associates. U.S. Cold Storage plans to add logistics and distribution, customer care, management and other employees.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the state, county and local community,” said Jesse Hooks, Regional Vice President at U.S. Cold Storage. “The successful collaboration helps us to maintain and grow our refrigerated warehouse business operations in Duplin County.”

“United States Cold Storage is a leading logistics service provider to our state’s consumer foods industry, and this expansion has far-reaching benefits for Duplin County and beyond,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “The continued growth and success of this 127-year-old company means good jobs for our economy.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based One North Carolina Fund grant of up to $120,000. One NC awards assist local governments in attracting business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for funds. One NC grants require and are contingent on financial matches from local governments.

A $300,000 Building Reuse grant will help ready the U.S Cold Storage’s facility for operation. The Building Reuse program is administered by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team.